I originally posted this as a Valentine’s Day gift wrap idea, but it also works for a beautiful holiday gift wrapping design. Enjoy this repost!
Tag Archives: environmentally friendly gift wrapping ideas
Holiday Gift Wrap Ideas: Scrabble Tile Gift Greetings
I’m so excited about the holiday season and have been busy pulling together tons of gift wrapping ideas. I’ve been making some tweaks to my videos and will be launching something new beginning with this video. The holidays are a very busy time of the year and to save us all some time, I’m producing shorter versions of my video tutorials. I’m hoping this will eventually shorten the editing process and thus allow me to post more tutorials. It’s great for you as well because you can get the same info in a condensed version. The biggest difference is that I’m using subtitles in lieu of verbal instructions. I know how tired I get of hearing my own voice, so perhaps this will be a blessing for you too! I will see how this new system works and may continue to produce full versions as an option for those who like the additional tips I typically add in throughout my videos.
‘Tis the SEASON
‘Tis the SEASON is the name of my holiday video tutorial playlist. It will contain any videos that I produce in full version with verbal instructions.
READY, SET, WRAP!
READY, SET, WRAP! is the name of my holiday video tutorial playlist in a condensed version with my voice removed and replaced with subtitles. Much of the video will be in “fast forward” mode to move along at a much quicker pace. This is a great way to watch the video in its entirety without it taking so long to get through. Obviously, if you watch the condensed version and want more information, you can always view the full version on my ‘Tis the SEASON playlist.I
In today’s tutorial, you will learn how to use old Scrabble tiles as Christmas greetings on a gift. I often pick-up old Scrabble games when out thrifting. You can purchased them for a buck or two and the possibilities are really endless. I also demonstrate how to create your own custom paper ribbon. This is both a cost effective and easy option for customizing your gift. This particular video combines white paper ribbon, cord and the Scrabble tile greeting on a brown paper surface. Simple, yet eye catching!
Check out my first video from my new READY, SET, WRAP! Christmas Playlist.
I would really appreciate some feedback on how you like the new tutorial format. Feel free to comment below.
Don’t forget to LIKE, SHARE and SUBSCRIBE!
Gift Wrapping Ideas: DIY Pillow Box
Have you ever been faced with the problem of wrapping an awkwardly shaped gift? We’ve all been there…it won’t fit inside any boxes you have on hand, you end up with this weird shape and if you’re like me, the gift always ends up getting bumped and torn because of how the paper is sitting. I hate that! Well, I may have a great solution to your problem….a DIY custom made pillow box.
What is a Pillow Box?
A pillow box is generally oblong with curved ends and a shape that resembles a pillow. They are relatively easy to make and you can even find templates online. However, if you really want to make a pillow box work for you, the key is to learn how to customize the size to accommodate the size of your gift.
Kinderarten Challenge:
In this tutorial you get a bonus tip: find out one of the most important skills I teach my kinders and see if you pass the test and employ this strategy!
DIY Custom Pillow Box Tutorial
Today’s video tutorial is a bit longer in length, but it takes you through the steps involved in creating your own customized pillow box. I offer a specific demonstration for creating a small pillow box using a standard 8 1/2″ X 11″ card stock so that the size is a bit more camera friendly to work with. This is followed by instructions on how to enlarge the scale of the design to create a full bristol board sized box.
Not only is a pillow box a great option for those difficult to wrap gifts, but it is also a simple way to change up the same old. Perhaps a long, narrow pillow box might be a great alternative to the standard gift bags used for wine and other bottled gifts.
Of course, you’ll be limited by the colours of bristol board available, but don’t let that stop you …..they rarely run out of black and white and to me those are the two best options anyway.
I hope you find this video helpful! Please remember to LIKE, SHARE and SUBSCRIBE to my channel: BOWhemian WRAPsody for more great gift wrapping ideas.
Gift Wrapping Ideas: Braided Belt Ribbon
This quick gift wrapping tip highlights a recent thrift store find. I love how this simple braided belt serves as both the ribbon and the bow for this gift. The braided suede-like belt offers interest and creates a very natural look. I love how the buckle serves as the focal point. This is a quick watch and the concept of using a belt might spark many other ideas for creative gift wrapping projects.
If you like this gift wrapping idea, be sure to check out my other wrapping tutorials for more great ideas. Don’t forget to LIKE, SHARE and SUBSCRIBE to my blog and Youtube channel: BOWhemian WRAPsody.
Creative Gift Wrapping Ideas: Think Pleats!
Although I was not on “my game” when taping this video (lots of edits), my heart was in it! Unlike most of the presents I wrap, this was a real gift! It always means more when you have a recipient in mind. I picked up this bible at Sam’s Place a few days ago, with my friend Heather in mind. I knew that this version was one she really wanted and when I found a brand new copy, I couldn’t resist. Now consider yourself warned….I’m going to go off on a little tangent here, but I just have to ….If you’ve never been to Sam’s Place before, I encourage you to check it out! It’s a used book store and café. It is operated by Mennonite Central Committee Manitoba through a large group of volunteers. There’s great coffee, food and of course, many books. I often manage to find brand new ones and the prices are always great! Fabulous place to meet a friend for coffee. It’s located on Henderson Highway, here in Winnipeg. A favourite for sure. There’s my plug!
Knowing that Heather’s favourite colour is pink, I began to go through my stash to see what I could come up with. The interesting thing about combing paper and patterns is that you can often produce a great look with paper/patterns that might not be that special on their own. To be honest, I did’t love the chosen paper and guessed I would never use it for scrapbooking. However, what I did know was that 1. Heather loves pink! 2. Once you begin to combine elements it is surprising how a pattern can be elevated. The combination of patterns, shades of pink and simplistic design came together nicely to create a beautiful finished look.
One of the features of this gift wrapping design is the inclusion of pleats along the centre of the present. This finished look was primarily created using paper scraps, but you certainly wouldn’t think of it as “leftovers”. The simple white lattice ribbon and a brad are the only extras in creating this look. I did use my circle punches to cut the concentric circles that anchor the centre of the paper flower. Definitely worth investing in a few circle punches of various sizes. (The dollar store sometimes carries small circle punches.)
Check out my latest video from BOWhemian WRAPsody to see how this gift was pulled together.
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Ponytail Presents!
I make every effort to think outside the box and incorporate new elements into my gift wrapping. As soon as I saw this burlap ponytail, I knew it would be a perfect present enhancement. I love the natural look and texture of burlap. In this gift wrapping tutorial, I demonstrate how to incorporate the burlap ponytail as well as a burlap broach into your gift wrapping project. I also demonstrate how to create two different looks with paper. The brown packaging paper melds perfectly with the natural elements of the burlap, while the black elicits more impact through the contrast. These two simple elements add beauty to the plain solid-coloured papers, but would also mix wonderfully with a carefully chosen print!
Coming soon! Our biggest upcycle DIY project ever! So excited to share this project with my readers.
Gift Wrapping Basics: Think Wardrobe!?
Best Bang for Your Buck:
If you’re interested in creating your own gift wrapping style, it may seem a bit overwhelming at first. This is especially true if you don’t have any materials with which to start the process. In my latest BOWhemian WRAPsody video, I don’t actually wrap any gifts, but rather share tips on how to begin building your collection of gift wrapping supplies.
This short video highlights some basic rules of thumb for making initial investments that will give you the most bang for your buck. My best advice is to resist the temptation to buy that beautiful ribbon that you love so much…chances are the colours and pattern will be so limiting that you’ll never actually get the chance to use it! I’ve made this mistake many times in the past….you know, those “I just have to have that!” purchases. We’ve all done it! When you’re first establishing your basic supplies, always ask yourself these questions:
- Is the colour neutral?
- Is the pattern busy and/or limiting? (I recommend only solids to begin with, especially if you are shopping on a budget.)
- Do I already have something similar?
Gift Wrapping Inventory Must-Haves:
- solid, neutral colours of both ribbon and paper
- varying widths of ribbon/cord/string in each of your foundation colours
Think Wardrobe!
I compare my collection of gift wrapping supplies to that of a wardrobe. In your wardrobe, you probably have your classic solid coloured pants/skirts that coordinate with various other accessories/prints you wear. The “staples” or classic pieces are an essential element to your overall wardrobe, even though they may not be your favourites. These pieces are often boring and lack personality, but their importance can not be underestimated. They are essential components.
When you begin to develop your collection of gift wrapping materials, think of it in much the same way…you will add those awesome colours and patterns, but only after you establish the fundamental elements with classic neutrals. Once you have those in place, you can begin to look for those pieces that add more personality and interest to your gifts, but you have to start somewhere.
Patterned Paper:
In today’s video, I also suggest purchasing a 12″ X 12″ (light weight) scrapbooking pad. This is a great way to incorporate patterned paper designs into your collection, but be sure the weight of the paper isn’t too heavy or it will not be pliable enough for wrapping. Although scrapbooking paper does limit the size of the gifts you can wrap, you can check out some of my other videos and tips for “patching” to make smaller pieces of paper work for you:
Take some time to check out some previous posts from my archives. You’ll find some great DIY projects, recipes and much more! If you enjoy my blog, you can subscribe and get an email notification as soon as I post! Thanks for visiting!
Cindy
Environmentally Friendly Gift Wrapping Ideas
Upcycle! Upcycle! Upcycle!
My husband recently received a gift and although the bag was pretty, the gift giver wrote his name and birthday wishes directly on the bag, making it impossible to reuse. I really do hate wasting items and try to reduce, reuse and recycle as much as possible. My husband tossed the bag in recycling, but the glittery back caught my eye and I just had to rescue it! I love the way this gift came together by combining 3 rescued items: a gift bag, a previously used ribbon and a broach! Check-out my latest tutorial to see the variations I came up with and perhaps you might rethink some of your own castaways!
If you like what you see, don’t forget to LIKE and SHARE the posts! You can receive an email notification of my latest posts by SUBSCRIBING to both my youtube channel: BOWhemian WRAPsody and my blog! Thanks for visiting!
Stay Tuned for the Big Reveal:
We have been super busy this past week….tune in to see pictures of our latest and perhaps most spectacular DIY reno and upcycling project yet. I am honestly speechless…my hubby really out did himself this time! I hope to have the finishing touches done and the post up by next week!